To keep giving to God.1 Corinthians 16:2 — Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.

To invest in a guaranteed return.Proverbs 19:17 — He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.Proverbs 11:24 — There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty.2 Corinthians 9:6 — But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.

To grow in the word of God.Psalm 119:71—72 — It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes. The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver.

To get your priorities straight.Matthew 6:19—21 — Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

To share the gospel.Luke 18:24 — And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!Matthew 13:22 — He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.

To learn the wise use of money and possessions.Proverbs 21:20 — There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.

To know the power of Christ in your life.2 Corinthians 12:9—10 — And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

To gain a godly perspective about life.James 4:13—15 — Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.Luke 12:15 — And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.

To hear more from my Pastor who is both practical and biblical, check out our church’s website. All the sermons are listed online (this one hasn’t been put up quite yet).